Got a 20mph limit that’s sprung up near you?

The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) has clarified the position of the police force regarding enforcement of 20mph speed limits, and it’s not going to be good for your wallet.

Many local authorities are implementing blanket 20mph speed limits and the penalty is £100 and three points if you are caught at up to 34mph. 35mph or more and you’ll be reported to the courts. If your speed falls within the 24-31mph range then you will be offered a specially designed speed awareness course. 3mph is not much of a tolerance, but it’s better than Victoria, Australia’s 3kph tolerance.

In many places around the world, such as Australia and New Zealand, the urban speed limit is 50kph (31mph) and 40kph (25mph) in school zones between certain times in all but a few places.

What are your thoughts on the limit and the course offer? Is the limit over-zealous, or common sense; is the course going to make any difference? Should we be creating more and more of these zones when there are cars beginning to be released on the market that automatically brake for obstacles, such as many Volvos with City Safety installed, and Subarus with their EyeSight technology?